Frequently asked questions

As most of our radiators are made-to-order, delivery times vary. We’ll provide an estimated delivery time on each product page. Once your order is placed, we’ll confirm delivery times and keep you updated. If a radiator is in stock and available sooner, we’ll let you know. While you wait, we can provide installation guides and advice on pipework positioning so you can keep your project moving forward. When your order is ready, we’ll arrange a convenient delivery day.

UK delivery
Yes, we offer standard delivery to any address on the UK mainland.

International delivery
While most of our customers are based in the UK, we have proudly supplied projects across Europe, the USA, Mexico, and as far as Australia and New Zealand. For international orders and those beyond mainland UK, please get in touch with us directly to discuss your specific shipping requirements.

Can I collect my radiator/s?
Unfortunately, we don’t offer collections from our showrooms.

Delivery is free on all orders over £60.00 in mainland UK. Scottish deliveries are sometimes restricted and deliveries to the following postcodes may be subject to additional costs and in some cases not available at all: KW, IV, AB, DD, PH, PA. The various islands around the British Isles are also subject to similar restrictions and additional costs may apply.

You can order online, by calling us on 01727 840344, or by visiting one of our six showrooms. Our expert team is always on hand to ensure you’re ordering the right radiator for your needs. You can also email us at info@theradiatorcentre.com. We accept most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Bank transfers are also welcome.

For most radiators, all essential fixings like wall brackets and air vents are included. However, some models, particularly in the cast iron range, may offer additional options that need to be purchased separately. Valves are not included, as there’s a wide variety of styles, configurations, and finishes to choose from. Please visit our Valves and Accessories section to explore the available options.

Once your order is ready for dispatch, we will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery date.
Deliveries typically occur between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you require a specific time, a morning or afternoon slot, additional charges may apply depending on availability.

Making your delivery
Given the size and weight of radiators, they are often packed onto wooden pallets and delivered via a third-party courier or freight company on a large lorry. Please let us know in advance if there are any access issues, such as narrow lanes, gravel drives, overhanging trees, or steep gradients, to avoid delays. The driver will place the pallet at the nearest safe, accessible point to your property, which may be on the drive or kerbside.

As radiators can be heavy, the delivery driver cannot assist with handling the goods. You’ll need a responsible individual to accept, sign for, and safely store the items. Please note that the driver will not unpack or move the radiators inside the property. Radiators will be shrink-wrapped for protection, but we recommend moving them undercover as soon as possible and storing all ancillary products, such as valves and accessories, in a dry place.

Checking your delivery
It’s important to thoroughly check your order upon delivery. Any shortages, damage, or discrepancies must be noted on the delivery note and reported within the specified time frame (see our Terms and Conditions). Please make sure you have enough labour on-site to unpack the goods safely and with care.

To calculate the heat output required for your room, you can use our Heat Calculator, which considers essential factors such as room dimensions, insulation levels, and window types (e.g., double glazing). The calculator will provide a heat requirement in either watts or BTUs (British Thermal Units). Once you have your heat requirement, compare it with the heat output of your selected radiator style to determine the appropriate size.

Keep in mind that the heat output of your chosen radiator may not match your exact heat requirement. We recommend opting for a radiator with a slightly higher heat output rather than a lower one. Fitting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) will allow you to adjust the temperature as needed, ensuring the room stays at your preferred warmth. It’s always better to have more heat than too little.

What is EN442? And how does it relate to showing outputs as Delta 50 (Δt 50ºC)?

EN442 is the European standard for radiators and convectors used in heating systems. To meet this standard, radiators must undergo testing to ensure their heat output can be accurately compared against other models, making it easier for consumers and heating engineers to select the correct radiator. The heat output is measured under a standardized condition, often referred to as Delta t50 (Δt 50ºC), which represents the temperature difference between the radiator surface and the room air at a specific heat input.

The UKCA and CE marks indicate that a radiator conforms to these standards, ensuring it is suitable for sale within the European Economic Area, including the UK. Be cautious of radiators that list higher Delta t values like Δt60 or Δt70. These may overstate the heat output, which might not reflect real-world performance in standard domestic heating systems, potentially leaving you feeling colder.

For a reliable and efficient heating solution, we suggest opting for radiators with the correct heat output according to the EN442 standard, with a slight margin for flexibility.

Yes, a radiator that’s too big for your room can lead to overheating and inefficient energy use. It may also take up valuable space and disrupt your room’s layout. The right radiator should match both the size of your space and your heating needs. Use our BTU calculator to find the ideal heat output for every room in your home.

A BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a room. It helps you choose the right radiator by showing how much power you need to keep your space warm and comfortable. Use our BTU calculator to find the right heat output for your room’s size, layout, and insulation.

The size of your radiator depends on your room’s BTU requirements. Larger rooms need radiators with higher heat output, while smaller spaces need less. Our BTU calculator takes room size, insulation, and window type into account to recommend the best radiator for your space. If you’re unsure, our experts are here to help.

There are a few different types of heating systems commonly found in UK homes, and identifying yours can help you choose the right radiators for your needs.

Closed Circuit Heating Systems
These systems are sealed, meaning the water constantly circulates and cannot be replaced. The water in a closed circuit system needs to be treated to protect your radiators and prevent corrosion.

Open Circuit Heating Systems
Open circuit systems, on the other hand, use mains water or water from a spring or borehole. Because the water can’t be treated chemically, you’ll need radiators made from non-ferrous materials like stainless steel, brass, or aluminium to avoid rusting. If you’re using an open circuit system, please get in touch with us for guidance.

Fuel Type
Most of our radiators are compatible with standard central heating systems, including those powered by gas, electricity, or oil. If you’re unsure about your system’s fuel type, you can usually determine this based on the heating source in your home.

Dual Fuel
Dual fuel radiators are perfect for the bathroom. They can be connected to your central heating system during the winter months, but when the heating’s off in the summer, you can switch to electric mode to keep your towels warm and dry.

Combination Boilers
Our radiators are fully compatible with combination (combi) boilers, as well as those powered by gas, oil, or electricity. This makes them a versatile choice for most homes with modern heating systems.

Secondary Return Hot Water System
If you have a secondary return hot water system, which uses the same hot water from your taps, it’s essential to use radiators made from materials like stainless steel or aluminium. These materials aren’t prone to rust, and we have a range of styles available to suit your needs. If you’re adding a radiator or towel rail to a secondary return system, please contact us to discuss your options.

If you’re unsure about your heating system or need advice on choosing the right radiator, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Your central heating radiators should be installed by a qualified or experienced plumber or heating engineer. Electric radiators should be installed by a qualified electrician.

Radiators are typically positioned in the coldest part of the room, often along outside walls or underneath windows. This positioning helps to combat drafts and prevent cold spots, as windows are usually the source of heat loss. Plus, wall space under a window is often underused due to size constraints, making it a convenient spot for your radiator.

That said, with the efficiency of contemporary and designer radiators, you now have more flexibility. Where you place your radiator is up to you. Whether it’s in a corner, beneath a window, or along an unused wall, as long as your space feels warm and welcoming, you’re good to go!

Yes, it’s usually possible to replace just one radiator without changing the others, as long as you’re working with the existing pipes. Newer radiators tend to be more efficient than older models, so you may find that a smaller radiator will do the job just as well. If that’s the case, you might need to adjust the pipework to fit. We can confirm the necessary pipe measurements with you when you place your order.

Yes, you can mix radiators made from different metals in the same system. Your boiler and central heating system will already contain a variety of metals, so mixing different materials for your radiators shouldn’t cause any issues. However, it’s essential to use corrosion inhibitors, such as those from Fernox or Sentinel, in a standard central heating system. These inhibitors prevent corrosion and limescale build-up, helping to maintain efficiency. Remember, failing to flush the system properly and use the correct amount of inhibitor will void your manufacturer’s guarantee.

The most important step is to follow the installation instructions provided with the radiator. Not doing so could invalidate the manufacturer’s guarantee. If you don’t receive the instructions with your delivery, just get in touch with us, and we’ll send them over.

Your radiator should be installed by a qualified plumber. After installation, ensure the system is properly flushed and filled to remove any debris. A corrosion inhibitor must be used, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Are there any particular instructions when installing valves and air vents?

When installing valves, it’s crucial to use the correct amount of PTFE tape, and take care not to over-tighten the valve. Tightening too much can damage the radiator’s paintwork, leading to rust and potential leaks. The Radiator Centre cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by incorrectly fitted valves or air vents.

You don’t need to wait for your radiators before setting up the pipework and brackets. Once your order is confirmed, we’ll provide all the necessary details, including specific pipe centres and fixing instructions, so you can continue with the other work. We’re confident our measurements will be accurate enough for your preparation.

Can your radiators be used with microbore pipework?
Yes, our radiators can be used with microbore systems, though you may need adapters for the valves due to the smaller pipe diameter. If you’re planning to fit the radiator on a microbore system, let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure everything you need is in place.

On radiators attached to your central heating system, you will need one set of valves; on one side the valve is used to control the temperature of the individual radiator; the valve on the other side is used to balance the system. We stock a range of valves to complement your designer radiators. If you would like advice about valves, feel free to contact us.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have an in-built temperature sensor which/that keeps the room temperature at a constant level. On the other hand, manual valves are effectively the same as taps – you turn the valve to control the temperature of the room. However, with no thermostat, you will have to keep an eye on the temperature yourself as the radiator will stay at that temperature regardless of how hot or cold the room actually is.

We recommend TRVs to be installed on your radiators as these offer efficiency and full controllably. However, in rooms that are often humid such as a bathroom or showroom, manual valves may be a better option to consider as humidity can provide TRV’s with false readings.

When fitting radiator valves, you may come across the initials BBOE, TBOE or TBSE. These indicate how the water flows around the radiator and therefore show where the valves should be fitted, i.e.:

BBOE – Both Bottom Opposite Ends, meaning the valves will be placed at the bottom of the radiator on opposite ends. Most standard radiators are configured this way.
TBOE – Top and Bottom Opposite Ends, often seen on old cast iron radiators.
TBSE – Top and Bottom Same Ends, also mostly seen on old cast iron radiators.

Our radiators usually have the option for several different connections so please contact us to check availability should you require a non standard connection type.

Angled radiator valves connect the radiator with the pipework at an angle. This is usually in situations where the central heating pipework comes from under the floor. Corner valves are generally needed when the pipework emerges from the wall and if you require a more discreet look. Lastly, straight valves are often used for pipe working coming out from the floor and are compatible with radiators with underneath connection. If you are uncertain about which valve you need please contact us for advice.